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Courses and Class Schedules

The Psychology Department offers a Course Menu of anticipated upcoming class offerings to help students plan their studies. 

Undergraduate psychology majors should also view the fall quarter menu for approved outside courses with no prerequisites. Undergraduate cognitive science majors can reference the fall quarter menu for approved interdisciplinary electives

In addition, the current schedule of classes in the section below shows what we’re teaching this quarter and the upcoming quarter, and the course catalog information provides a full list of our courses. If you have questions about academic planning or course requirements, please contact our undergraduate advising or Ph.D. advising teams.

Current schedule of classes

Course catalog
Course #Course TitleCourse LevelUnits
PSYC 1Introduction to PsychologyLower Division15 Units

Introduces prospective majors to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes and also provides an overview for non-majors. Emphasizes social, cognitive, developmental, and personality psychology and their interrelations. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.)

PSYC 2Introduction to Psychological StatisticsLower Division15 Units

An introduction to elementary statistical principles and techniques relevant to psychological research. Topics covered include basic parametric and nonparametric statistics, analysis of variance, and simple factorial designs. This course is prerequisite to PSYC 181. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1 or PSYC 20; and AM 3 or AM 6 or MATH 3 or MATH 4 or MATH 11A or satisfactory placement score on math placement exam or CEEB Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam. Enrollment limited to 165. (General Education Code(s): SR.)

PSYC 10Introduction to Developmental PsychologyLower Division15 Units

Addresses psychological development from conception through adolescence. Provides an overview of developmental psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1; and AM 3, or AM 6, or MATH 3 or higher level Mathematics course or mathematics placement (MP) score of 300 or higher, or AP Calculus AB exam score of 3 or higher; and PSYC 2 or STAT 5 or STAT 7 and STAT 7L.

PSYC 20Cognition: Fundamental TheoriesLower Division15 Units

Introduces basic concepts in cognitive psychology with a focus on theoretical explanations of cognitive functioning. Topics include perception, attention, memory, concepts, language, visual cognition, executive functions, and reasoning processes. (Formerly course 20A.) .

PSYC 40Introduction to Social PsychologyLower Division15 Units

An analysis of contemporary research in social psychology and of what that research can teach us about the world we live in. Problems of conformity, propaganda, prejudice, attraction, and aggression. Focuses on a person’s relationship with other people, how he or she influences them and is influenced by them.

PSYC 60Introduction to Personality PsychologyLower Division15 Units

An overview of major personality theories from Freud to the modern day, and an introduction to contemporary research on personality development and assessment. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1.

PSYC 100Research Methods in PsychologyUpper Division27 Units

An introduction to research methods used to investigate human psychology. Course emphasizes critical thinking, designing and conducting research, analyzing and interpreting data, and writing a professional research report. Prerequisites: Entry Level Writing and Composition requirement; AM 3 or AM 6, or MATH 3 or higher level Math course, or math placement (MP) score of 300 or higher, or AP Calculus AB exam score of 3 or higher; and PSYC 2, or STAT 5, or STAT 7 and STAT 7L.

PSYC 101Topics in Developmental PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

These topics, offered at different times by different instructors, examine selected topics in developmental psychology.

PSYC 102Adolescent Development: Adolescence into Young AdulthoodUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on individual and relational development from early adolescence into emergin adulthood. Emphasis on the mutual influences of family relationships and adolescent development, and on the interface of family, peer group, and school experience in cultural contexts. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 103Adult Development and AgingUpper Division25 Units

Overview of the cultural, societal, biological, interpersonal, and cognitive processes of adult development and aging. Class discusses how each of these contexts and processes promotes stability and change as adults experience adulthood, reflect on their lives, and prepare for death. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 104Development in InfancyUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on psychological development in infancy. Presents research on perceptual, cognitive, and social-emotional development during the first two years of life. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors.

PSYC 105Children’s ThinkingUpper Division25 Units

Cognition in children from infancy through adolescence. Basic and current research on children’s understanding of the social and physical world. Focus on major theoretical perspectives: especially Piaget’s constructivist approach and sociocultural approach. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors.

PSYC 106Social and Emotional DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

An examination of contemporary theory and research on social and emotional development from infancy through childhood. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 107Gender and DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

Examines the developmental psychology of gender from infancy to adolescence. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology majors.

PSYC 108Educational PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

An overview of psychological theories and principles applied to formal and informal educational settings. Topics include: learning, motivation, cultural diversity, individual differences, and assessment. Students complete a research project. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 109Psychobiology of Stress and Well-being across the LifespanUpper Division25 Units

Emphasizes bi-directional relationships between psychobiological systems, stress, and well-being throughout the lifespan. Major topics include biological stress response systems (HPA-axis, autonomic nervous system, immune system, neural threat response), means of measuring stress in research, health behaviors (sleep, substance use, risk-taking), and positive well-being (emotion, psychological resources, prosocial behavior). (Formerly Stress and Well-Being throughout Development.) Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and 100.

PSYC 111The origins of social biasesUpper Division25 Units

Engages students with fundamental theories and research in developmental psychology to better understand the social nature of human beings and how social biases emerge. Discussions include research and questions central to how social biases form with a focus on research from infancy and early childhood. Asks questions such as: What sets us up to be social? How do we learn about power and status? When and how do kids start to learn about race? Educates students to have foundational knowledge in developmental psychology and critically assess research. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1, PSYC 10, and PSYC 100.

PSYC 112Moral DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

How and why do children develop into moral beings? This course covers key theories and empirical research about the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of moral development, including psychoanalytic, behaviorist, constructivist, nativist, and evolutionary approaches. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 114Human Development as a Cultural ProcessUpper Division25 Units

Examines interdisciplinary theory, research, and methods of studying the cultural basis of human development, and variations and similarities in human lives and practices in the United States and worldwide cultural communities. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. (General Education Code(s): CC.)

PSYC 115Lifespan Developmental PsychopathologyUpper Division25 Units

Examines theory and research on developmental psychopathology. Emphasizes the origin and longitudinal course of disordered behavior. Explores the processes underlying continuity and change in patterns of adaptation and age-related changes in manifestations of disorders. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 116Communication Technologies, Culture, and Human DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

What is the role of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in human development and sociocultural change? Offers insights into how human cultures are changing with the proliferation of ICTs by examining how ICTs are incorporated into cognitive, social, and identity development in late childhood through adulthood. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 118AChildren and WarUpper Division25 Units

Examines the development and behavioral ecology of children affected by war. Discusses refugee children, displaced children, abandoned children, orphaned children, children living in protracted conflict, and child soldiers. Reviews child protection strategies and psychosocial intervention for war-affected children. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100.

PSYC 118BChildren in Extreme CircumstancesUpper Division25 Units

Reviews child survival in life-threatening contexts. Examines the lives of street children, institutionalized children, orphans, children in extreme poverty, enslaved children, war-affected children, abandoned children, and children whose parents have HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. Enrollment limited to 60.

PSYC 118CTheory of MindUpper Division25 Units

Reviews recent research on how children come to understand the human mind, such as desire, belief, goals, and intention. Also discusses the implications of this research on typically and atypically developing children. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 60.

PSYC 119ADevelopment as a Sociocultural ProcessUpper Division25 Units

Examines theory and research in sociocultural approaches to how people (especially children) learn and develop through participating in activities of their communities with other people. Emphasizes the organization of social interactions and learning opportunities, especially in communities in the Americas where schooling has not historically been prevalent. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of Entry Level Writing, Composition requirements; PSYC 100, or ANTH 1 or ANTH 2, or EDUC 92A, or EDUC 92B, or EDUC 92C, or LALS 1, or SOCY 1. Enrollment is restricted to seniors or by permission. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119DCultural Perspectives on Adolescent DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

Examines cultural influences on adolescence from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities from the perspective of current interdisciplinary theories and research. Topics include: identity development; changes from early adolescence to adulthood; links among family, school, peer, and community experiences; programs for youth; and implications of bridging research, social policy, and community practice. Includes research practicum. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119EThe World of BabiesUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on how infants learn about intuitive physics, naive psychology, and shared culture. Also discusses how cultural communities shape infants’ learning. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119HChildren, Research, and PolicyUpper Division25 Units

Explores ways that research in developmental psychology can be used to address real-world problems facing children. With an analytical focus on evidence and generalizability, we will investigate research-policy connections in topics of popular interest (e.g., child custody, poverty). Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement (Formerly Developmental Psychology Research and Real World Problems) Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119ISpecial Topics in Narrative DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

Examines a special topic of current interest in developmental psychology centering on the features of self-identity that develop in the context of telling stories of individual and/or shared experiences, such as self-defining memories or family stories. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119KEmotional DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

Covers classic and contemporary work on the nature and development of human emotions. Both theoretical perspectives and empirical research are discussed. Major topics include: emotion-cognition interplay, the measurement of emotion, universality and cultural variability, and emotional communication. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119MIdentity Development in Social and Cultural ContextsUpper Division25 Units

Senior seminar that focuses on identity development in adolescence and young adulthood. Discusses theory and research on the development of personal and social identities and the sociocultural contexts in which these personal and social identities are negotiated. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100; PSYC 102 strongly recommended. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119NCulture and CognitionUpper Division25 Units

Seminar course engaging students in current theories and research in cultural psychology to explore how culture shapes the ways humans make sense of the world around them. Starts with foundational theories and methods in studying how culture influences thinking across the lifespan. Then covers specific content areas that serve as examples of how these theories are applied to study specific topics. Course educates students to critically evaluate research in cultural psychology. Writing-intensive course (partially fulfilling the Disciplinary Communication requirement). Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119PChildren and TechnologyUpper Division25 Units

Covers current research and theory related to children and technology. Topics include: how children learn to use new technologies; how technology use impacts children’s thinking; computer gaming and aggression; and how children’s social relationships are influenced by technology. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1, PSYC 10 and PSYC 100; and satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119QPerspectives on AutismUpper Division25 Units

Explores multiple perspectives on autism, highlighting those of autistic scholars, disability studies scholars, and philosophers. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology or cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119RHow to Combat Social Bias in ChildrenUpper Division25 Units

Engages students in current theories and research in developmental psychology that aim to better understand and ultimately eradicate social bias starting in early childhood. Course starts with foundational theories and methods in studying children’s social biases and then considers different approaches to address social bias in children. Also educates students to critically assess research and to creatively think about new solutions to combat social bias in our society. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 119TMedia Contexts of Adolescent and Young Adult DevelopmentUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on the role of media in adolescents’ and young adults’ identity development, friendships, and peer relationships. Topics include: globalization; physical/body image; friendships and peer acceptance; and educational and career goals. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. PSYC 102 is recommended. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 120Visual and Spatial CognitionUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on high-level perception and visual, spatial, and other sensorimotor representations as elements of human cognition. Topics include imagery, visual attention, mental models, spatial language, the body schema, near-body space, and brain organization for representing space. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to cognitive science and psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 60.

PSYC 120DDeafness and Sign LanguageUpper Division25 Units

Explores what we can learn about human cognition by studying sensory loss and language in a different sensory modality. Topics include brain organization, sensory compensation, working memory, visual cognition, and psycholinguistics. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1 or PSYC 20 or PSYC 20A, and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors.

PSYC 121PerceptionUpper Division25 Units

Introduces the study of human perception. Topics include: the structure and function of the human eye and early visual cortex, perception of motion, color, and objects; recognition of faces; and audition, sensory integration, and synesthesia. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 20 and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors.

PSYC 122The Science of LearningUpper Division25 Units

Academic success often entails managing and mastering multiple courses covering a variety of topics, each with their own unique requirements. However, what study methods are effective versus ineffective, and why? For example, is learning based on the amount of time a student spends studying? Is highlighting an effective method of learning? Is it better to study by reviewing notes or testing oneself? How will you know if a study tip you read on the internet will really help you learn? Course poses questions about studying and discuss the answers that have been uncovered through scientific research on human memory. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 20 or PSYC 129; and PSYC 100. Enrollment limited to 60. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 123Cognitive NeuroscienceUpper Division25 Units

An examination of the physiological mechanisms of psychological processes, including sensory systems, motor systems, control systems, and memory and learning. Principles of nervous system organization are discussed at each level. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors. Enrollment limited to 130.

PSYC 124Psychology of ReadingUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on the cognitive processes that underlie reading in adults. Additional topics include different writing systems, learning to read, and reading deficits. Recommended for upper-division students. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors.

PSYC 125Psychology of LanguageUpper Division25 Units

Examines how people use language to communicate. Course covers speaking and understanding, including speech perception, grammatical processing, the meaning of words and strings of words, and how conversations work, among other topics. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors.

PSYC 126ConversationsUpper Division25 Units

Explores how conversations work and how speakers accomplish their goals in an interaction. Topics include conversational structure, turn-taking, politeness, and the functions and use of collateral signals, among others. Collateral signals include pauses in speech, words like um, uh, you know, and like, and processes, such as how words and utterances are produced. (Formerly PSYC 139G.) . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors.

PSYC 129Human Learning and MemoryUpper Division25 Units

Examines basic theories, models, methods, and research findings in human memory. Both traditional and nontraditional topics are covered. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors.

PSYC 130Deception, Brain, and BehaviorUpper Division25 Units

Focuses on behavioral and brain manifestations of deception. Topics include developmental changes that allow us to understand and to use deception, physical implications of lying expressed in the face, voice, posture, and brain activity. Also covers mechanical or behavioral techniques used in deceptive behavior, whether in the form of overt behavior or brain activity. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100; and PSYC 20 or any upper-division cognitive course. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors and minors.

PSYC 130DEvolutionary PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Introduction to how evolutionary principles can help us understand origins of the human mind. Covers evolutionary approaches to cognitive, social, and developmental psychology with emphasis on how cognition has been shaped by natural selection. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 133Bilingualism from a Cognitive PerspectiveUpper Division25 Units

Provides in-depth discussion of bilingualism from a cognitive perspective. Psycholinguistic researchers who study bilingualism are interested in questions such as how to measure bilingualism, how the brain acquires more than one language, how bilinguals organize and manage two (or more) languages in one brain, and the consequences of the bilingual experience on cognition. Students are introduced to current research that investigates these topics as well as current controversies in the literature that are yet unresolved. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 138Computer Programming for the Cognitive SciencesUpper Division25 Units

Offers a practical introduction to computer programming for psychology and cognitive science students. Students learn simple and effective techniques for collecting, parsing, and analyzing behavioral data from behavioral experiments. Students create programs to present visual stimuli, collect keyboard responses, and then write response time and accuracy to datafiles on disk. Students then write new programs to extract information from the datafiles, perform statistical analysis, and present summaries of the findings. Students learn to use the Python programming language for cross-platform application development. No previous programming experience is necessary. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1 or PSYC 20A or PSYC 20B, and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors.

PSYC 138MIntroduction to Matlab Programming for the Cognitive SciencesUpper Division25 Units

Matlab is a powerful and widely used programming language to design stimuli, collect behavioral data, conduct statistical analyses, and visualize results. This course provides students with basic tools to use Matlab in a range of cognitive science applications. The course includes in-class coding, weekly assignments, and a term project in which students write a program to analyze, collect, or visualize a dataset or model a cognitive phenomenon. No previous programming experience is required. Topics include modeling of cognitive and neural processes and principal components analysis. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 20 and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 60.

PSYC 139BConsciousnessUpper Division25 Units

Provides a psychological study of human consciousness. Aim is to explore the following questions: What is consciousness? Where does consciousness come from? What functions does consciousness have in everyday cognition? How do we best scientifically study consciousness? These issues are examined from the perspective of contemporary research in cognitive science. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology, philosophy, anthropology, linguistics, and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139CThe Cognitive Neuroscience of ConsciousnessUpper Division25 Units

Introduction to current debates in the scientific study of consciousness. The focus is on empirical results regarding the neural correlates and behavioral functions of consciousness, but topics also include the metaphysical status of consciousness and methodological issues within consciousness science. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 20, PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139EThe Science of ReadingUpper Division25 Units

Studies reading through a cognitive science lens, including perspectives from cognitive and developmental psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience, as well as history, public policy, and education.Primarily examines scientific research focused on skilled reading, reading acquisition, and difficulties learning to read. Students read, discuss, and write about scientific research as well as media covering these topics. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of Entry Level Writing, Composition requirements, and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139GEye-tracking: A Window into CognitionUpper Division25 Units

Examines eye-tracking as a valuable research method to study cognition. Research using this method has established that eye movements are closely linked to ongoing cognitive processes in the human brain. Course covers the use of this technique in research on reading, language comprehension, scene perception, visual search, infant cognition, and other areas of cognitive science. Students read and review journal articles, participate in class discussions, and analyze publicly available eye movement data for a final report due at the end of the quarter. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 20, PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139HWeird ScienceUpper Division25 Units

Explores the relationship between science and pseudoscience from a cognitive psychological perspective, including discussion of collection and selection of data, statistical assessment of data, cognitive illusions, memory distortions, reasoning, and decision-making. Also highlights the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139JForgettingUpper Division25 Units

Explores forgetting as an essential and adaptive process in human memory. Topics include: intentional and unintentional forms of forgetting; the (re)constructive nature of memory; and cases of extreme remembering. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139KFace RecognitionUpper Division25 Units

To navigate our social world, we need to extract a wealth of information from faces, including identity, expression, gaze, age, and gender. This seminar reviews current topics in face-recognition research, from cognitive, neuroscience, developmental, social, and computational perspectives. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 1 or PSYC 20 or PSYC 20A; and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139LIllusionsUpper Division25 Units

Illusions arise when our perception differs from reality. In this course, students investigate the mechanisms of visual, auditory, and proprioceptive illusions as an approach to understand the capacities and limitations of our perceptual system. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139NDiversity in Cognitive PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Lists of influential contributors to cognitive psychology insufficiently represent the influence of more diverse, non-traditional scientists. This course profiles the life and work of women and minority scientists who’ve made well-documented contributions to cognitive psychology, as well as those who’ve received less recognition. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1 and PSYC 100, and PSYC 20A or PSYC 20B or PSYC 105; and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior cognitive science or psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139PNatural and Artificial IntelligenceUpper Division25 Units

Introduces one approach used in artificial intelligence: deep learning. This approach is inspired by the architecture and processing of real neural networks. Students learn about the algorithms developed and their applications in simulating intelligence. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and PSYC 20, and PSYC 100, and either PSYC 121 or PSYC 123. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139QAnalogy and TransferUpper Division25 Units

Examines the cognitive processes involved in analogical reasoning (understanding one example, object, problem, or event in terms of another better-understood one) and the transfer of knowledge (applying knowledge from one situation to another). Although discussion includes analogical reasoning and transfer in ”genius” or exceptionally creative moments, students primarily focus on all the ways in which the same cognitive processes of analogy and transfer support day-to-day learning, thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139RSocial Frames of MemoryUpper Division25 Units

Remembering is an activity that we often do with others, and shared representations of the past bind us to one another as couples, families, and nations. Remembering is a fundamentally social process. Topics include extended cognitive systems, conversational remembering, family reminiscence, how social networks shape how and what we remember, cognitive content biases supporting collective convergence, and the psychology of collective memory. This includes social representations of history and their biases, cultural tools for thought, intergenerational transmission, and collective future thought. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139SBrain Waves and CognitionUpper Division25 Units

Provides an overview of the study of brain waves and cognition, also known as human electrophysiology (EEG). Explores how this approach can be used to study major topics in cognitive psychology research. The course prioritizes the development of scientific reasoning and writing skills. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 139TMemory, Metacognition, and EducationUpper Division25 Units

Academic success often entails managing and mastering multiple courses covering a variety of topics, each with their own unique requirements. However, what study methods are effective versus ineffective, and why? For example, is learning based on the amount of time a student spends studying? Is highlighting an effective method of learning? Is it better to study by reviewing notes or testing oneself? How will you know if a study tip you read on the internet will really help you learn? Course poses questions about studying and discusses the answers that have been uncovered through scientific research on human memory. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology and cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 140BAfrican American PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Incorporates historical and conceptual foundations; issues of social psychology; individual and developmental processes; and adjustment and clinical issues. Readings expose students to attributes of African American culture that have an impact on the psychology of African Americans as well as methodological issues relevant to key psychological topics. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment limited to 60.

PSYC 140FMind, Society, and CultureUpper Division25 Units

Introduces how social, cultural, and historical contexts shape psychological experiences, including self-concept, perception, emotion, health, and behavior. Draws from theories and research in psychology, sociology, and anthropology to highlight cultural variations in national populations (e.g., North Americans, East Asians) and multicultural populations within the United States (e.g., working-class Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans). Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 140GWomen’s Lives in ContextUpper Division25 Units

Examines gender as a psychological and social factor that influences women’s experiences in different contexts. Cuts across other areas of psychology by taking a women-centered approach. Emphasis also placed on understanding how intersections between gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc., impact women’s psychological well-being. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, or SOCY 3A. Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior psychology and sociology majors.

PSYC 140HSexual Identity and SocietyUpper Division25 Units

Addresses sexual and gender identity diversity in social, historical, and political context. Highlights current social justice issues and cultural ideologies related to sexual and gender identity diversity. Discusses social and scientific activism for sexual liberation; gay and lesbian identities and communities; sexuality beyond binaries and categories (e.g., bisexuality, pansexuality); asexuality; kink/fetish; transgender identities and sexualities; sexual fluidity and heteroflexibility; and queer sexual ethics and politics. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. (General Education Code(s): TA.)

PSYC 140LWomen’s Bodies and Psychological Well-BeingUpper Division25 Units

Examines how women’s bodily experiences (e.g., sexual objectification, violence, menarche, sexual health) are uniquely tied to their subordinate status and impacts their psychological well-being. Theories of gender inequality will address how social control directed at women’s bodies through power relations embedded in societal institutions contributes to women’s marginalized status. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 100, or SOCY 103B, or FMST 100. Enrollment restricted to junior and senior psychology, sociology, feminist studies, and community studies majors. Enrollment limited to 60.

PSYC 140MLegitimizing (In)Equality: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Social PolicyUpper Division25 Units

Drawing on research in social psychology, political psychology, and critical policy studies, course examines how beliefs legitimize inequality, influence intergroup relations, and inform policy attitudes. Both hierarchy-enhancing and hierarchy-attenuating beliefs are reviewed. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted psychology, community studies, legal studies, politics, and sociology students.

PSYC 140QSocial Psychology of GenderUpper Division25 Units

Considers individual, interpersonal, and cultural influences on gender similarities and differences in thinking, motivation, and behavior. Emphasizes factors related to power and status inequalities between women and men. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 140TPsychology of TraumaUpper Division25 Units

Overview of psychological theory and research on trauma and traumatic stress, including responses to childhood trauma (especially sexual abuse), combat, and natural disasters. Variety of theoretical frameworks presented, including developmental, cognitive, neuropsychological, clinical, and social/contextual. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or permission of instructor.

PSYC 141Privacy and SurveillanceUpper Division25 Units

Survey of theory and research on privacy and surveillance. Topics include: the functions of privacy; threats to privacy in multiple domains; the psychological impact of surveillance; historical and cultural differences in privacy and surveillance practices; and the relationship between privacy, surveillance, and social justice. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, or by permission of the instructor.

PSYC 142Psychology of Oppression and LiberationUpper Division25 Units

Provides theoretical frameworks for understanding interlocking systems of oppression from the perspective of “the oppressed” as well as “the oppressor” nationally and internationally. Goes beyond mainstream (traditional) psychology and emphasizes critical psychological perspectives that include micro- and macro-level theories of oppression; importance of ideology in oppressive systems; and theories of social change and liberation across contexts. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 or feminist studies, sociology, community studies, or politics majors.

PSYC 143Intergroup RelationsUpper Division25 Units

Introduces the social psychology of conflict and intergroup relations, focusing on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes that shape how we navigate our interactions with groups. Explores major psychological theories and concepts and their applications to real-world conflicts and contemporary social issues, including prejudice, discrimination, polarization, genocide, collective action, and social change. Prerequisite(s):PSYC 100. Enrollment limited to 120.

PSYC 144Latinx PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Offers an overview of psychological frameworks and interdisciplinary research for understanding Latinx populations, behaviors, identities, and values systems related to their mental health. Examines socio-cultural contexts, best research practices, and culturally responsive strategies for working with Latinx communities. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 145Social InfluenceUpper Division25 Units

An advanced course for upper-division undergraduates interested in the study of the persuasion process. The course investigates common influence tactics and how those tactics are used in various settings. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 145DSocial Psychology of Autocracy and DemocracyUpper Division25 Units

Humans are the only animal capable of living in both authoritarian and democratic regimes. Course explores the nature of these forms of social relationships with a goal of promoting democracy. Topics include: obedience to authority, conformity, self-justification, propaganda, power, and conflict resolution. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 146The Social ContextUpper Division25 Units

A systematic analysis of the social and contextual determinants of human behavior, with special attention given to concepts of situational control, social comparison, role and attribution theories, as well as the macrodeterminants of behavior: cultural, historical, and sociopolitical context. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 147APsychology and LawUpper Division25 Units

Current and future relationships between law and psychology, paying special attention to gaps between legal fictions and psychological realities in the legal system. Topics include an introduction to social science and law, the nature of legal and criminal responsibility, the relationship between the social and legal concepts of discrimination, and the nature of legal punishment. (Also offered as Legal Studies 147A. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100; and PSYC 40 is highly recommended prior to taking this course. Enrollment is restricted to psychology, pre-psychology, cognitive science, and legal studies majors.

PSYC 147BPsychology and LawUpper Division25 Units

Continuing discussion of current and future relationships between law and psychology and to contrasting psychological realities with legal fictions. Special attention is given to the criminal justice system including crime causation, the psychology of policing and interrogation, plea bargaining, jury selection and decision making, eyewitness identification, and the psychology of imprisonment. (Also offered as Legal Studies 147B. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): PSYC 147A.

PSYC 148Stereotyping, Prejudice, and RacismUpper Division25 Units

Introduction to and analysis of the social psychology of stereotyping, prejudice, and racism in the United States. Examines how individuals both perpetuate and experience these phenomena, through the lens of race as a system of privilege and disadvantage. (Also offered as Critical Race & Ethnic Studies 148. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 149Community Psychology: Transforming CommunitiesUpper Division25 Units

Introduces community psychology, a discipline that blends social psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Topics include levels of analysis, ecologies, prevention, intervention, feminisms, empowerment, sense of community, coalition building, and social justice and action. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors.

PSYC 150Race, Education, and the Carceral StateUpper Division25 Units

Explores the multifaceted and complex relationship between the U.S. public education and juvenile legal systems to examine how these two seemingly disparate systems work together to systematically disadvantage multiply marginalized communities and individuals. Course follows these histories as a thread for better understanding how these two systems via logics, policies, and practices shape our everyday sensemaking and approach to discipline. Course explores contemporary issues related to schools and the carceral context to better understand the people embedded in these social contexts. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to declared and proposed psychology majors.

PSYC 153The Psychology of Poverty and Social ClassUpper Division25 Units

Examines how social class shapes attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Emphasis is placed on structural barriers and their impact on the well-being of low-income groups. Strategies for reducing classist discrimination, improving interclass relations, and strengthening social policy are discussed. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, or anthropology, community studies, economics, legal studies, politics, sociology, or feminist studies majors.

PSYC 155Social-Community Psychology in PracticeUpper Division25 Units

This service-learning course requires time in the classroom and the field. Students gain a deep understanding of social justice paradigms, community-based collaborative research, ethics, field-based research, reflexivity, and socio-cultural development modes. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 3 or PSYC 100; PSYC 149 and PSYC 182 are recommended prior to taking this course. Admission by application and interview only. Enrollment limited to 15. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.)

PSYC 159ASexual IdentityUpper Division25 Units

Considers the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals from a psychological perspective. Reviews theory and research on compulsive heterosexuality, heterosexism and homophobia, culture and sexual-identity diversity, issues of history and community of LGBT individuals, and perspectives on sex, gender, and sexuality from queer theory. Satisfies the seminar requirements. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s):PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159CDisability Justice and PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Introduces students to the paradigm and legacies of disability justice and inquires how psychology as a discipline and practice can incorporate disability justice theory and practice. These histories of ableism within psychology are traced and examined over the past two centuries to the present with a critique of ”abnormality” and ”cure.” Taking an intersectional perspective, the course presents ableism intersecting with other power systems like racism and sexism and includes perspectives from the emerging area of DisCrit (also called critical disability studies). Within the framework of disability justice alternative models of healing justice and harm reduction are elaborated upon. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159DPsychology of Sexual AggressionUpper Division25 Units

An overview of psychological theory and research related to sexual aggression, focusing on both perpetration and victimization. Includes a discussion of the social construction of masculinity and femininity, media representations of sexual violence, and alternative (non-aggressive) visions of sexuality. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology or feminist studies majors or permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159EPeace PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Is war inevitable? What is peace? Is it more than the absence of violence? Explore how psychology—the study of human behavior—can help to decrease violence and enhance cooperation at multiple levels including the personal, interpersonal, community, and international arenas. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology or cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159GGender, Race, and JusticeUpper Division25 Units

Attends to the intersections of gender, race, and justice, with a specific focus on girls and women of color. Covers a range of topics related to gender, race, and carcerality including the historical treatment of girls and women in the U.S. criminal legal system; constructions of Black and Latinx girlhood; girls’ treatment in schools; home life; survivorship; life while confined; motherhood; challenges to re-entry; and healing and abolition post-release. This is a writing-intensive course focused on developing research, oral presentation, and writing skills. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior cognitive science and psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159HCommunity-Based InterventionsUpper Division25 Units

Topics include: what makes a successful intervention; what happens before the formal intervention begins; the ethics involved with interventions; different methods for assessing interventions; and different praxis models. Satisfies the seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. A service component is involved. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159IPsychology of ImmigrationUpper Division25 Units

Provides an overview of the social and cultural psychological study of immigrants in the United States. Examines the migration/immigration process; immigrants’ social identities; schooling of immigrant youth; and impact of policy on the well-being of immigrants. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159JSocial Psychology of Social JusticeUpper Division25 Units

Why do some situations seem fair and others unfair? Are all people concerned with justice or are some scoundrels? This course looks at the principles of distributive, procedural, and retributive justice and at real world applications of theories. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159PRace, Ethnicity, and Environmental InequalityUpper Division25 Units

Examines racially and ethnically marginalized and dominant conceptions of the environment throughout U.S. history. Also explores events and policies revealing how human behavior shapes and is shaped by environmental inequality, and strategies for achieving environmental justice. Satisfies the seminar requirements. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology or cognitive science majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159RAchievement Disparities: A Social Psychological PerspectiveUpper Division25 Units

In this interactive seminar, we draw on research and theories in social and cultural psychology to examine persisting disparities in education and achievement for varying social groups (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, social class) and to identify intervention strategies for reducing these disparities. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100, and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159SQueer IntimaciesUpper Division25 Units

Examines the science of relationship diversity through the lens of social psychology. Reviews popular and psychological literature on same-sex relationships, polyamory/consensual non-monogamy, kink/fetish/BDSM relationships, chosen families, asexuality, and transgender intimacy. Concludes with discussion of the impact of queer intimacies on heterosexuality. Satisfies the seminar requirements. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 159XPsychology of Social ActivismUpper Division25 Units

Covers social-psychological scholarship relevant to social justice activism that receives limited academic attention in conventional psychology. The seminar aims at understanding how knowledge gained in action-oriented research can be applied to social change. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 160PsychopharmacologyUpper Division25 Units

Biopsychosocial approach toward understanding the pharmacology and effects of psychoactive drugs. Topics include synaptic neurotransmission, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerance and withdrawal, addiction and abuse, set and setting, harm reduction, drug policy, placebo effects, randomized controlled trials, and drug therapies for mental disorders. Covers a wide range of medicinal and recreational drugs including alcohol, opioids, psychedelics, antidepressants, and more. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 165Systems of PsychotherapyUpper Division25 Units

A review of the major methods of psychotherapy most currently practiced, including ethical standards and dilemmas, and client-therapist-system variables affecting efficacy. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100; PSYC 60 or PSYC 170 recommended.

PSYC 166Personality AssessmentUpper Division25 Units

How do we really know a person? Provides experience assessing such individual differences as intimacy motivation, dominance, creativity, and well-being. Students construct their own personality test and learn to evaluate the kinds of self-report, observational, projective, and interview techniques used in organizational and clinical contexts. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100; PSYC 60 highly recommended as preparation.

PSYC 167Clinical PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Serves as an in-depth introduction to the field of clinical psychology. Covers issues of clinical assessment, interviewing, testing, and a range of therapeutic modalities. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 120.

PSYC 168The Study of DreamsUpper Division25 Units

An overview of dream studies by several major theorists and researchers of the 20th century, including Freud, Jung, and Hall. An emphasis on studies that reveal cognitive conceptions and personal concerns through quantitative and qualitative analyses of sets of dreams from individuals and groups. Other topics covered more briefly include dream recall, children and dreams, and the role of dreams within cultures. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 169Community Mental Health (CMH)Upper Division25 Units

How can we improve mental health? Examines theory, method, and efficacy research of outreach, prevention, and intervention methods with various mental health populations in community settings (e.g., victims of sexual violence, new immigrants, those with severe mental illness, children in foster care). Presents characteristics of successful CMH agencies and programs and how to develope one’s own agency or intervention model. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. PSYC 60 or PSYC 170 recommended.

PSYC 170PsychopathologyUpper Division25 Units

Survey of theory, research, and intervention in human psychopathology. Covers psychological, biological, developmental, and socio-cultural approaches. (Formerly offered as Abnormal Psychology.) . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 171Childhood PsychopathologyUpper Division25 Units

A critical and intensive exploration of a wide variety of specific disorders within their biological, developmental, and social contexts. Concepts of psychopathology in childhood, major and minor diagnostic systems, and a variety of theories of etiology are explored. General intervention strategies and a wide range of specific psychotherapy systems for treatment are closely examined and demonstrated. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 10 and PSYC 100. PSYC 170 strongly recommended.

PSYC 172Health PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Course examines the psychological aspects of health, illness and healing. Focuses primarily on etiology, treatment and prevention; specific topics include stress and the immune response, social support, compliance, health beliefs, and the healing relationship. (Formerly course 140C.) Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 175Personality, Relationships, and EmotionsUpper Division25 Units

Explores the reciprocal development of personalities and emotions/emotion regulation in the context of close relationships. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100. PSYC 10 and PSYC 60 recommended as preparation. Enrollment limited to 80.

PSYC 178Nutritional PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

Explores the interactive relationship between nutrition and mental health. Includes a review of the research on the impact of different components of nutrition (e.g., protein, minerals, sugar) on the function of the brain, the nervous system, and the endocrine (hormone) system, and how that translates into changes in mood and cognitive capacity. Also explores the psychological factors that influence food choice and eating behaviors in the context of cultural beliefs and pressures. . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100; PSYC 170 is recommended as preparation. Enrollment is restricted to Psychology and Global and Community Health (B.A.) majors. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.)

PSYC 179ATheories of Moral PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

A seminar course with focus on theories of moral development from the psychoanalytic, social learning, cognitive-developmental, and humanistic perspectives. Students confront and discuss moral dilemmas from the four perspectives, working toward their own individual theories of pro-social behavior. Satisfies the senior seminar requirement. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and PSYC 100. Enrollment is restricted to senior psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 179EThe Science of EmotionsUpper Division25 Units

Our emotions influence nearly everything we do—from how we perceive the world to how we connect with other people. The scientific study of emotion, or affective science, investigates how emotions shape our lives. What purpose do emotions serve? How do we regulate them? How do they color cognitive processes like memory? Course considers emotions from several levels of analysis, including their evolutionary basis, their associated physiological responses, and the behaviors they motivate. Students gain a scientifically informed understanding of daily emotions and insight into how scientists study them. Satisfies seminar requirement. Satisfies senior comprehensive requirement. (Formerly Psychology of Emotion.) . Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100 and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior cognitive science and psychology majors. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 181Psychological Data AnalysisUpper Division25 Units

Intermediate statistical methods widely used in psychology (e.g., ANOVA, ANCOVA, multiple-comparisons, bivariate correlation, multiple regression, repeated-measures), corresponding SPSS or R programs, and elements of measurement theory. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 182Qualitative Research MethodsUpper Division25 Units

Designed to equip students with the ability to evaluate, conceive, and carry out psychological research. A variety of techniques (interpretive,phenomenological analysis, grounded theory and narrative inquiry) are examined and experienced. Students carry out research projects. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Enrollment limited to 30. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

PSYC 183History and Systems of PsychologyUpper Division25 Units

An overview of the history of psychology. Examines issues of paradigm and philosophy of science. Reviews central paradigms in the history of the discipline. Assumes a critical-historical approach, linking scientific knowledge produced to prevailing societal beliefs about mind and behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 100.

PSYC 195ASenior ThesisUpper Division25 Units

Preparation of a senior thesis over one, two, or three quarters, beginning in any quarter. When taken as a multiple-term course extending over two or three quarters, the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter apply to each of the previous quarters. Students contemplating a senior thesis should have a superior academic record and be well prepared with a suitable background of previous coursework or independent study for performing their proposed research. Students must file a petition with the Psychology Office the quarter in which they would like to begin the thesis. Senior thesis petitions are available in the Psychology Department Office. Check with office for enrollment conditions.

PSYC 195CSenior ThesisUpper Division25 Units

Preparation of a senior thesis over one, two, or three quarters, beginning in any quarter. When taken as a multiple-term course extending over two or three quarters, the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter apply to each of the previous quarters. Students contemplating a senior thesis should have a superior academic record and be well prepared with a suitable background of previous coursework or independent study for performing their proposed research. Students must file a petition with the Psychology Office the quarter in which they would like to begin the thesis. Senior thesis petitions are available in the Psychology Department Office. Check with office for enrollment conditions.

PSYC 201Teaching in PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Provides graduate students with practical teaching skills in the areas of developing and stating a general philosophy of teaching, course design, writing a course syllabus, assessment techniques, evaluation procedures, effective teaching strategies, and media use. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20.

PSYC 201ATeaching in Psychology IGraduate33 Units

Seminar providing graduate students with practical teaching skills that are relevant to TA’ing, mentoring research assistants, and eventual independent course design in the field of psychology. This is not a lecture course. The main activities are reading, reflecting, writing, constructively critiquing work, presentations, and group discussion. There is also time to workshop individual TA difficulties as they arise. Pedagogical approaches for diverse classrooms are discussed in hope of creating a climate in which students feel safe asking questions and speaking their minds. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 202MIntroduction to MatlabGraduate35 Units

Introduces the programming language Matlab, focusing on its data analysis, visualization, stimulus presentation, and data-collection tools. Students develop Matlab skills by completing weekly assignments and a term project. No previous programming experience is required. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 204 or by permission of the instructor. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 202RIntroduction to RGraduate33 Units

Teaches students how to use the statistical programming language and environment R to load, analyze, simulate, and visualize data. Assumes a basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics, but no prior experience with programming. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students, or by permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.

PSYC 204Quantitative Data AnalysisGraduate35 Units

Intermediate statistical methods widely used in psychology (e.g., ANOVA, ANCOVA, multiplecomparisons, repeated-measures) and corresponding SPSS or R programs. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20.

PSYC 205Categorical Data AnalysisGraduate35 Units

Application of statistical methods for analyzing binomial and multinomial response variables in survey and experimental designs. Topics include hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, assessing effect size, sample size requirements, and an introduction to logistic regression models. Data analysis applications use SAS, SPSS, and R. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 204 or by permission of the instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 30.

PSYC 210The Experimental Method in Social PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Explores the philosophy and practice of the experimental method in social psychology. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 211AProseminar: Social Justice and the IndividualGraduate35 Units

Provides an introduction to social psychology, focusing on various individual-level social justice topics, including the self, social comparison, individual and collective identity, social historical and social structural determinants of behavior and various policy and social change-related issues. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students; undergraduates planning graduate work in social psychology may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 15.

PSYC 211BSocial Justice, Society, and PolicyGraduate35 Units

Provides an introduction to social psychology, focusing on empirical and theoretical developments related to social justice and group and intergroup dynamics. Topics include: prejudice and discrimination, power, collective action, and psychology’s relationship to social policy. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. Undergraduates planning graduate work in social psychology may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.

PSYC 211CCommunicating in Social PsychologyGraduate33 Units

Supports first-year social psychology graduate students in completing their first-year projects. Involves discussion of research methods, but the primary emphasis is on writing and presenting the APA-style report. Includes writing exercises as well as practice talks on the presentations that students give in colloquium. Because this is a workshop tailored specifically to each student, over the course of the quarter we will work collaboratively to discuss each others’ work, read each others’ drafts, and establish a challenging and supportive context for thinking, writing, and presenting. First- and second-year projects required to be reported in two ways: a manuscript approved and signed by the first (adviser) and second readers, and a presentation of the project in the colloquium. . Enrollment is restricted to social psychology first-year graduate students, or by permission of instructor.

PSYC 213Special Topics in Social PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Focuses on particular issues of theoretical and practical importance in social psychology. Topics vary from year to year and often concentrate on issues of social justice, social identity, intergroup relations, and social policy. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 214AMultivariate Techniques for PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Introduces multiple regression, analysis of covariance, and random coefficient models. Both methodological and statistical aspects of data analysis are discussed. Practical problems of estimating and testing in general linear models are addressed. Students gain experience in carrying out and interpreting analysis using SPSS and R. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 204. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20.

PSYC 214BAdvanced Multivariate Techniques for PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Introduces factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). Develop skills in defining, estimating, testing, and critiquing models. Topics include the rationale of SEM, model identification, goodness of fit, and estimation. Learn how to use relevant software packages (R, SAS, LISREL, EQS, or AMOS) to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and latent variable path analyses. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 214A.

PSYC 215Production and Comprehension of Spontaneous CommunicationGraduate35 Units

Seminar on spontaneous communication. Typical topics include discourse markers (including historical origins, cross-linguistic borrowing, second-language learning, children’s acquisition), enquoting devices, backchannels, and spontaneous written communication. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students.

PSYC 220Special Topics in Human MemoryGraduate35 Units

Topics announced when offered. Seminars involve discussion and critical evaluation of current, historical, and interdisciplinary readings relevant to topic. Emphasis on development of research ideas. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 12.

PSYC 221Visual PerceptionGraduate35 Units

Seminar to study human perception, its methodology, and driving issues as illustrated by selected research topics (e.g., adaptation to unusual sensory environments). Where possible, parallels with other areas of psychology are drawn. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15.

PSYC 222Topics in Lexical OrganizationGraduate35 Units

The recognition of words is a critical step in natural language processing. Discusses a range of contemporary issues related to the representation of a word and the access of this information from the perspective of psychology, linguistics, and artificial intelligence. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students; undergraduates who have completed PSYC 124 may enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 224AProseminar: Cognitive IGraduate35 Units

A proseminar reviewing current topics in cognitive psychology, designed to introduce new graduate students to the field. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 224BProseminar: Cognitive IIGraduate35 Units

A proseminar reviewing current topics in cognitive psychology, designed to introduce new graduate students to the field. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 224CProseminar: Cognitive IIIGraduate35 Units

A proseminar reviewing current topics in cognitive psychology, designed to introduce new graduate students to the field. . Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 225AIntroduction to Developmental Research IGraduate33 Units

Examines the rationale and techniques of research in developmental psychology. Topics include theories and paradigms in developmental psychology; translating theoretical ideas into researchable hypotheses; diversity issues in sampling; and conducting ethical research. Multiple-term course; students receive 6 credits in the second quarter of attendance; the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter applies to both quarters. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students or with instructor’s permission.

PSYC 225BIntroduction to Developmental Research IIGraduate33 Units

Examines the rationale and techniques of research in developmental psychology. Topics include selecting appropriate research designs; measurement and statistical approaches for research problems; issues of validity; and communicating research findings. Multiple-term course; students receive 6 credits in the second quarter of attendance; the grade and evaluation submitted for the final quarter applies to both quarters. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 225A. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students or with instructor’s permission.

PSYC 225CIntroduction to Developmental Research IIIGraduate35 Units

Focuses on drawing reasonable conclusions from research findings by working on students’ first-year research projects and critiques of existing research. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 225A and PSYC 225B. Enrollment is restricted to developmental psychology graduate students or by permission of the instructor.

PSYC 227Contemporary Issues in Psychology of LanguageGraduate35 Units

Special topics in thought and language are examined from the perspectives of cognitive science. Particular attention given to embodied experience and higher-order cognition. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 230Research in Cognitive Psychology SeminarGraduate35 Units

Colloquium series to study and critique research in cognitive psychology and cognitive science. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 231Research in Social Psychology SeminarGraduate35 Units

Seminar to study, critique, and develop research in social psychology. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 232Evolution of CognitionGraduate35 Units

Explores current research on evolution of human cognition, drawing on findings from other species and from the archaeological record. Topics include language, working memory, episodic memory, numerical abilities, and social cognition. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 235Infant Development in ContextsGraduate35 Units

Seminar on how contextual factors influence the development in infancy, especially on cognitive domains. Discusses at least four types of contextual factors: cultural, experiential, event, and interpersonal contexts. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students.

PSYC 242Research in Developmental Psychology SeminarGraduate35 Units

Seminar to study, critique, and develop research in developmental psychology. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 244AProseminar I: Cognitive and Language DevelopmentGraduate35 Units

Explores major theories and research in the fields of cognitive development and language development. Begins with classic theorists, such as Piaget and Vygotsky, and proceeds to theories and research on topics of current interest. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 244BProseminar II: Social and Personality DevelopmentGraduate35 Units

An examination of contemporary theory and research on social and personality development across the lifespan. Enrollment restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 246Cultural Diversity in Human DevelopmentGraduate35 Units

Examines cultural influences in development from the perspective of current theories and empirical research in developmental psychology and related fields (including social psychology, anthropology, sociology, history, education, and social policy). Focuses on understanding development in diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic communities by examining the interplay of social, cultural, institutional, and psychological processes. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20.

PSYC 247Special Topics in Developmental PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Focuses on particular issues of theoretical importance in developmental psychology. Topics vary from year to year. Particular issues in language, culture, cognitive, social, and personality development may be covered. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 15. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 248Survey MethodsGraduate35 Units

Practicum to give students hands-on experience with survey methods by conducting their own survey on the topic of their choice. Course requires the survey to be conducted off campus at a local agency or program chosen by student with approval of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 249Field Methodologies and Social EthnographyGraduate35 Units

Designed to train graduate students in applied field methods. Emphasis is on gaining knowledge and experience with actual field methods, by conducting social ethnography in the community. Field research in community placements required. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 250Prejudice and Social RelationsGraduate35 Units

Examines the ways in which the various branches of psychology have approached the issue of prejudice. Attention paid to the assumptions underlying each approach and their relation to core psychological ideas such as the self and emotion. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 251Feminist Theory and Social PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Course bridges feminist theory and social psychological research to explore connections between theory covered and empirical studies on various topics in social psychology. Seminar format allows students opportunity for extensive discussion. (Also offered as Feminist Studies 251. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 252Special Topics in Cognitive PsychologyGraduate35 Units

Focuses on particular issues in cognitive psychology. Topics vary from year to year. Particular issues in language, memory, perception, cognitive modeling, cognitive neuroscience, and more are covered. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 253Theory and Research in Intergroup RelationsGraduate35 Units

Examines, compares, and contrasts a variety of theories in intergroup relations while examining relevant empirical research. The relevance of both theory and research findings to contemporary social issues is explored. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students; undergraduates considering graduate work in social psychology are encouraged to enroll with permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 12.

PSYC 254Psychology of GenderGraduate35 Units

Course reviews recent theory, research, and applications in the psychology of gender. Developmental, social-psychological, cultural, and feminist approaches are emphasized. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

PSYC 255Qualitative Inquiry in PsychologyGraduate35 Units

A broad survey of qualitative inquiry in psychology. Presents epistemologies; reviews ethnography, interpretative-phenomenological analysis, grounded theory, interviewing and narrative analysis, discourse analysis, focus groups, thematic analysis, content analysis, intuitive inquiry; discusses disciplinary guidelines for reporting and reviewing qualitative research. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 256Psychology of Social Class and Economic JusticeGraduate35 Units

Course examines the social psychological antecedents, correlates, and consequences of economic inequality in contemporary U.S. society. The impact of social class on attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors is assessed. Strategies for reducing classist discrimination, improving interclass relations, and strengthening social policy are discussed. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 261Participatory Action ResearchGraduate35 Units

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a theoretical standpoint and collaborative methodology that is designed to ensure that those affected by the research project have a voice in that project. Topics include philosophies of science; defining and evaluating PAR; ethics; and reflexivity. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 264Transnational Feminism, Development, and PsychologyGraduate35 Units

A transnational feminist lens examines international development as linked to broader ideologies that transform gender relations and enhance women’s empowerment. A social-psychology framework brings theoretical and practical import to the issues and examines how research can contribute to social justice and women’s human rights. Enrollment is restricted to graduate psychology students, or by permission of instructor.

PSYC 290BAdvanced Developmental Research and WritingGraduate32 Units

Tailored to graduate students’ interests among topics involving research and scholarship in sociocultural approaches to development, methods for research design, data collection, coding, and analysis, and preparing and reviewing grant proposals and journal manuscripts. Multiple-term course; students receive 6 credits in the third quarter of attendance; the performance evaluation and grade submitted for the final quarter applies to all three quarters. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 290CProfessional DevelopmentGraduate35 Units

Designed to aid advanced psychology graduate students with development of competence in professional activities (e.g., preparing a vita, making job and conference presentations, submitting and reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals, professional communication, career decisions). Enrollment is restricted to advanced psychology graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

PSYC 290EGrant Writing for PsychologistsGraduate35 Units

Discusses how to write and put together a grant proposal for psychological research, culminating in a completed proposal. Enrollment is restricted to psychology graduate students. Enrollment limited to 10.

PSYC 293Field StudyGraduate35 Units

Student-designed and student-conducted research carried out in field settings.

Psychology major approved outside courses

No course can be used that is cross-listed with a Psychology course, taught by a Psychology faculty member, or in some cases, that will be used to satisfy a requirement for another major or minor based on the Policy on “Double Counting” of the Program Requirements.

An upper division (5-unit) course in the range of 100-189 from any of the following departments can be used to satisfy the out-of-department course for the Psychology Major.

  • Anthropology
  • Community Studies
  • Critical Race & Ethnic Studies
  • Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (BioE courses)
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Studies
  • Feminist Studies
  • History of Consciousness
  • Latin American and Latino Studies
  • Legal Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology

Or a specific course from the list below:

  • Applied Linguistics: APLX 102, APLX 116
  • Applied Math & Statistics: STAT 131, STAT 132
  • Computational Media: CMPM 146, CMPM 148
  • Computer Science: CSE 104, CSE 140
  • History of Art and Visual Culture: HAVC 141F, HAVC 141K, HAVC 141O, HAVC 185, HAVC 186
  • Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology: METX 135
Last modified: Oct 29, 2024